daycare dilemma - need advice

northernvabride

DD is 18 months old and has been at a wonderful daycare center since she was 4.5 months old.  We moved and I'll be on maternity leave soon, so we decided to switch her to a center near our house rather than near my work.  She started there on Monday.  We liked the center when we toured it and we even left DD in her new room a few times while we watched her play from the parent's lounge, which she did ok with (after a little crying when we left the room).  DD is doing well with drop-offs this week and the transition, but I still go to the parent's lounge to watch her every day for a few minutes after I leave the room.  This is where the problem arises - when DD arrives, there are usually 3 other kids and then the lead teacher.  The room has 8 kids and 2 teachers during the day, but not everyone is there yet.  The lead teacher is getting breakfast for them and they are eating while I'm watching and the teacher seems checked out - no talking or interacting, no enthusiasm.  At our old school, there were more kids, but it was always like a party - the kids were playing, the teachers were talking, they were so engaged with them.  Now it feels like this teacher doesn't even want to be there.  I don't know if we were spoiled at our old center and this is how it is elsewhere, or if this isn't normal and we should talk to the director.  DH picks DD up at 3 and see snack time and some play time, when all the kids and teachers are there, but he says it isn't much better, and certainly is nothing like our old center.  One teacher may be sitting on the floor with them, but not interacting.  The other teacher is picking up toys.

I want to know what other people's daycare centers are like, especially if you have a toddler.  Our old center had 14 kids and 4 teachers, this one has 8 kids and 2 teachers.  I know it will feel less busy with fewer kids, but how quiet is too quiet?  I feel like the teacher should be interacting more and be more energetic.  Do you agree?  TIA

vtmezzo

At our center, every time that I have been there the teachers seem engaged and happy, whether its 7 AM or 6 PM - even with the infants. Personally, I think having less kids in the room is a positive thing, but the lack of interaction would be a turn-off, so I see your dilemma. If you don't feel good about it, look for something else.

On the other hand, maybe the teacher is going through something personally? Just grasping at straws here - but maybe it will be better after a week or two? Good luck!

Artslvr

I think you could mention it to the director.  Nicely, of course.  "I was a little surprised this week watching my kid and Teacher in the morning, things are so low key, when I came to observe the classroom seemed so lively.  Is it always this quiet in the morning?"